The inorganic solid formed by the elements sodium Na and chlorine Cl is sodium chloride NaCl . This compound is an ionic solid, as it is formed by the transfer of electrons from the sodium atom to the chlorine atom, resulting in the formation of positively charged sodium ions Na+ and negatively charged chloride ions Cl- . These ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces in a crystal lattice structure. Sodium chloride is commonly known as table salt.